If you have known us for years as Columbia City Ballet, we look forward to welcoming you back as South Carolina Ballet. Founded in Columbia in 1961, our company continues to bring professional ballet to the city, with a season of performances at the Koger Center for the Arts. Find our latest news, production information, and tickets at SouthCarolinaBallet.com.
Our upcoming 2026–2027 performances range from the gothic drama of Dracula: Ballet With a Bite to the Christmas tradition of Nutcracker, the classical beauty of Sleeping Beauty, and the vivid world of Jonathan Green’s paintings. Whether you are returning to a favorite production or joining us for the first time, there is plenty to look forward to in Columbia.
Dracula: Ballet With a Bite
October 23–24, 2026 | 7:30 p.m.
Halloween arrives early at the Koger Center with William Starrett’s Dracula: Ballet With a Bite. Featuring an original rock/jazz score by Thomas E. Semanski, this theatrical interpretation of Bram Stoker’s story pairs gothic romance with suspense and bold choreography.
Since its premiere in 1991, the production has become a returning favorite in the company’s repertoire. Its dramatic characters and atmospheric staging make it an especially fitting choice for an October evening at the theatre.
Explore Dracula performance details and tickets.
William Starrett’s Nutcracker
December 12, 13, 19 & 20, 2026
For many families, a visit to Nutcracker is an essential part of Christmas in Columbia. William Starrett’s production returns to the Koger Center for six performances over two weekends, bringing together Tchaikovsky’s familiar score, grand scenery, elaborate costumes, and South Carolina Ballet’s professional dancers.
With afternoon and evening performances available, audiences can plan a family outing, gather friends for a holiday celebration, or make an evening of it. The Saturday evening performances on December 12 and 19 will feature live music.
- Saturday, December 12: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 13: 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, December 19: 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, December 20: 3:00 p.m.
Explore Nutcracker performance details and tickets.
Sleeping Beauty
February 20, 2027 | 3:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Sleeping Beauty brings the elegance and technical brilliance of classical ballet to the Koger Center in February. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score, the production offers an opportunity to enjoy one of ballet’s most celebrated works, with a matinee and an evening performance.
The ballet also holds a special place in our company’s history. First staged by the company in 1966 and reimagined by William Starrett in 1996, it continues a connection with Columbia audiences that spans generations.
Explore Sleeping Beauty performance details and tickets.
Off the Wall & Onto the Stage: Dancing the Art of Jonathan Green
March 12, 2027 | 7:30 p.m.
Jonathan Green’s paintings become the starting point for an evening of dance, music, and color when Off the Wall & Onto the Stage returns for one performance in Columbia.
Created through a collaboration between William Starrett and Jonathan Green, the ballet draws from 22 of the artist’s Gullah-inspired paintings. Scenes exploring family, faith, hope, and love unfold through choreography, richly colored costumes, and scenic design that carries Green’s distinctive visual world onto the stage.
First presented in 2005, this production celebrates the cultural heritage and everyday experiences reflected in Green’s art.
Explore Off the Wall & Onto the Stage performance details and tickets.
All performances listed take place at the Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene Street, Columbia, South Carolina. We invite longtime Columbia City Ballet supporters and new audiences alike to join us as South Carolina Ballet. Visit SouthCarolinaBallet.com to choose your performances and book your tickets.